Chapter Text
Sebek Zigvolt did not understand why he was here.
Well—he did understand, technically. Lilia had insisted he “branch out” and “make more friends his own age,” and before Sebek could protest, arrangements had been made. Heartslabyul’s Housewarden had reluctantly agreed, and so Sebek had found himself standing awkwardly at Heartslabyul’s gates with an overnight bag slung over his shoulder.
A sleepover. With Ace Trappola, of all people.
Sebek stomped toward the dorm with all the fury of a soldier sent on a mission he didn’t respect.
When he reached Ace’s room, the redhead leaned against the doorframe, smirking. “Wow, you actually came. Thought for sure you’d, like, fight Lilia to the death before agreeing.”
“I did not agree,” Sebek barked, puffing his chest. “I was ordered by Lilia to attend this… frivolous gathering.”
Ace raised a brow. “So you’re saying you didn’t want to hang out with me?”
Sebek froze, realizing how harsh it sounded. “That is—! I did not mean—!”
Ace laughed, resting his hand on Sebek's shoulder. “Relax, Zigvolt. I’m messing with you. Come on in.”
The evening started simply enough. They shared snacks (Ace complained about Sebek eating too loudly, Sebek yelled at Ace for slouching on the floor), played a few games, and exchanged stories. Despite Sebek’s stiff demeanour, the conversation wasn’t… terrible.
But then Ace pulled out a DVD case, eyes glinting. “Okay. Movie time. And guess what?” He brandished it dramatically. “Horror.”
Sebek crossed his arms instantly. “Absolutely not. I will not waste my time on some tasteless spectacle meant to incite fear in the weak-minded!”
Ace grinned. “Ohhh, wait. Don’t tell me. You’re scared.”
Sebek’s face went crimson. “SEBEK ZIGVOLT FEARS NOTHING!”
“Uh-huh.” Ace leaned closer, smirking. “Then prove it.”
And that was how Sebek found himself sitting rigid on the floor as the horror film began to play, hands clenched tightly on his knees, eyes glued to the screen as though glaring at it hard enough might defeat it.
At first, he held firm. The eerie music? Child’s play. The darkened setting? Mere theatrics.
Then came the first jumpscare.
Sebek jerked violently, a strangled sound tearing from his throat.
Ace whipped his head around just in time to see him snap back into composure, jaw tight. “A-HA! Merely startled. Nothing more!”
“Oh man,” Ace chuckled, “this is better than the movie.”
Sebek glared, cheeks burning. “Silence!”
But it only got worse. Every shadow, every shriek, every sudden movement made Sebek flinch harder, until finally, during a particularly gruesome scene, he instinctively grabbed Ace’s arm—clutching tight as though it were a lifeline.
Ace froze. He looked at Sebek, who was practically pressed against him now, wide-eyed but too stubborn to admit defeat. Slowly, a grin spread across Ace’s face.
“Well, well,” he drawled. “Didn’t think you were the clingy type.”
“B-BE SILENT!” Sebek thundered, refusing to let go.
Ace chuckled but didn’t tease further. He let Sebek cling, his own heart thudding strangely at the warmth pressed against him.
By the movie’s climax, Sebek had gone quiet—not because he was braver, but because exhaustion had overtaken him. His rigid grip loosened, and before Ace realized it, Sebek had slumped sideways, head pillowed in his lap.
“…You’ve gotta be kidding me,” Ace whispered.
But when he looked down, Sebek was fast asleep, face softened and peaceful, hand still clutching the edge of Ace’s hoodie. For once, there was no shouting, no stiff posture, no bluster—just quiet breathing, and long lashes brushing against his cheeks.
Ace stared for a long moment. Then, carefully, he reached out, brushing a strand of green hair away from Sebek’s face.
“…You’re kinda cute when you’re not screaming your lungs out,” he murmured with a crooked smile.
He leaned back, adjusting so Sebek could rest more comfortably and let the movie play to the end.
The next morning, Sebek stirred awake, groggy. It took him only seconds to realize where he was—his head still resting on Ace’s lap. He shot upright, nearly knocking Ace backwards.
“WHA—?! I—I FELL ASLEEP?!”
“Morning to you too,” Ace yawned, stretching. “You were out like a light. Snored a little, too.”
“I DID NOT—!” Sebek’s face burned. “I APOLOGIZE FOR SUCH—SUCH WEAKNESS! IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN!”
Ace smirked, leaning back on his hands. “Relax. You were fine. Kinda cozy, actually.”
Sebek froze, blinking at him. “C-cozy…?”
Before he could sputter a proper response, a familiar voice chimed from the doorway. “Oh my, what a wholesome sight,” Lilia cooed, eyes sparkling with mischief. “It seems my little plan worked perfectly.”
Both boys shouted in unison, “IT DID NOT!”
Lilia only giggled and floated away, humming cheerfully.
Ace glanced sideways at Sebek, who was still bright red and refusing to meet his eyes. With a sly grin, Ace nudged him. “Sooo… same time next week?”
Sebek sputtered something unintelligible, but Ace caught the faintest twitch of a smile.
And that was enough.